Herbert Smith Freehills’ (HSF) regional executives will be responsible for ensuring these new commitments are acted upon, right across the firm’s 27 offices. Each action will be backed by a plan and will be interpreted locally and regionally to reflect local challenges, cultures and legal nuances.

“Like others in the legal industry, we are not where we want to be, or where we should be, in our ethnic representation or our progress in dismantling systemic racism,” HSF CEO Justin D'Agostino said.

“The tragic killing of George Floyd in May spurred us to redouble our existing work.

“Over recent weeks, we have been consulting across the firm about how we can actively become an anti-racist organisation, committed to confronting the deep-seated inequities from which no society or business is exempt.”

Mr D'Agostino said he along with the firm’s leadership team are committed to supporting Black, First Nations, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues and building increased understanding to create a safe, supportive and respectful environment across the firm. 

“The 10 Actions provide a framework for all regions of the firm to shape to suit their local communities and issues,” he said.

“As the firm’s CEO, I am ultimately accountable for our progress – and I am determined that, together, we will make tangible, lasting change,” said Mr D'Agostino. “I welcome the opportunity to lead on this – I know we can do better, and that we will.”

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The 10 Actions for Change include addressing barriers to the recruitment of Black, First Nations, Asian and minority ethnic people, improving retention of Black, First Nations, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues along with increasing representation in more senior roles and mentoring and work experience opportunities for young people from Black, First Nations, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Furthermore, it aims to deliver anti-racism workshops in addition to global D&I programmes and better inform and track the firm’s approach through robust data collection and analysis, and target setting where appropriate.

“While we have some way to go, these actions are backed by initiatives and rigorous data collection to ensure we educate our firm as well as attract, develop and retain talent from Black, First Nations, Asian and minority ethnic people across all groups, teams and roles,” Danielle Kelly, Herbert Smith Freehills’ global head of diversity & inclusion said.

“It is a priority for the firm to ensure that there are more conversations about race to create a safe, supportive and respectful environment where everyone feels seen and valued.”